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Categories: Energy: Technology, Engineering: Robotics Research
Published Researchers demo new type of carbon nanotube yarn that harvests mechanical energy


Nanotechnology researchers have made novel carbon nanotube yarns that convert mechanical movement into electricity more effectively than other material-based energy harvesters.
Published Artificial human skin paves the way to new skin cancer therapy


In a new study, researchers have managed to curb skin cancer. The study was conducted on artificial human skin.
Published Versatile robo-dog runs through the sandy beach at 3 meters per second


Meet the new addition to the robo-dog family, 'RaiBo', that can run along the sandy beach without losing balance and walk through grassy fields and back on the hard-floored tracking fields all on its own -- no further tinkering necessary.
Published Transistors repurposed as microchip 'clock' address supply chain weakness


A new technique uses standard chip fab methods to fabricate the building block of a timing device, critical to all microprocessors. Currently, this timing device, known as an acoustic resonator, must be produced separately, often overseas, creating a supply chain and security weakness. The technique would allow for this timing device to be integrated with the microprocessor using standard CMOS processing, rather than later bunded with the microprocessor.
Published Person-shaped robot can liquify and escape jail, all with the power of magnets


Inspired by sea cucumbers, engineers have designed miniature robots that rapidly and reversibly shift between liquid and solid states. On top of being able to shape-shift, the robots are magnetic and can conduct electricity. The researchers put the robots through an obstacle course of mobility and shape-morphing tests.
Published Artificial photosynthesis uses sunlight to make biodegradable plastic


Scientists have succeeded in synthesizing fumaric acid, a raw material for plastics, from CO2 powered by solar energy. Typically, fumaric acid is synthesized from petroleum as a raw material to make polybutylene succinate, a biodegradable plastic, but this research shows that it can be synthesized from CO2 and biomass-derived compounds using renewable energy.
Published Fish sensory organ key to improving navigational skills of underwater robots


Scientists have been studying a fish sensory organ to understand cues for collective behavior which could be employed on underwater robots.
Published Plasma thrusters used on satellites could be much more powerful



It was believed that Hall thrusters, an efficient kind of electric propulsion widely used in orbit, need to be large to produce a lot of thrust. Now, a new study suggests that smaller Hall thrusters can generate much more thrust -- potentially making them candidates for interplanetary missions.
Published Recyclable mobile phone batteries a step closer with rust-busting invention


Mobile phone batteries with a lifetime up to three times longer than today's technology could be a reality thanks to a recent innovation.
Published Spin transport measured through molecular films now long enough to develop spintronic devices



A research group has succeeded in measuring spin transport in a thin film of specific molecules -- a material well-known in organic light emitting diodes -- at room temperature. They found that this thin molecular film has a spin diffusion length of approximately 62 nm, a length that could have practical applications in developing spintronics technology. In addition, while electricity has been used to control spin transport in the past, the thin molecular film used in this study is photoconductive, allowing spin transport control using visible light.
Published Click beetle-inspired robots jump using elastic energy


Researchers have made a significant leap forward in developing insect-sized jumping robots capable of performing tasks in the small spaces often found in mechanical, agricultural and search-and-rescue settings. A new study demonstrates a series of click beetle-sized robots small enough to fit into tight spaces, powerful enough to maneuver over obstacles and fast enough to match an insect's rapid escape time.
Published New soft robots poised to be more agile, controlled


One of the virtues of untethered soft robots is their ability to mechanically adapt to their surroundings and tasks. Now they are poised to become even more agile and controlled.
Published Squid tissues and chemistry combine for versatile hydrogels


The natural abilities of squid tissues and the creativity of chemists combine to take hydrogel research in new directions.
Published 'Smart' walking stick could help visually impaired with groceries, finding a seat


For people who are blind or visually impaired, finding the right products in a crowded grocery store can be difficult without help. A team of computer scientists is trying to change that.
Published How to push, wiggle, or drill an object through sand


Researchers developed a faster and simpler way to model the forces needed to push, wiggle, and drill an object through soft, granular material in real-time. The methods could help engineers drive a rover over Martian soil, anchor a ship in rough seas, and walk a robot through sand and mud.
Published Polysulfates could find wide use in high-performance electronics components


Flexible compounds made with Nobel-winning click chemistry can be used in energy-storing capacitors at high temperatures and electric fields.
Published Microelectronics give researchers a remote control for biological robots


First, they walked. Then, they saw the light. Now, miniature biological robots have gained a new trick: remote control. The hybrid 'eBiobots' are the first to combine soft materials, living muscle and microelectronics, said researchers.
Published A precision arm for miniature robots


Until now, microscopic robotic systems have had to make do without arms. Now researchers have developed an ultrasonically actuated glass needle that can be attached to a robotic arm. This lets them pump and mix minuscule amounts of liquid and trap particles.
Published Feathered robotic wing paves way for flapping drones


Birds fly more efficiently by folding their wings during the upstroke, according to a recent study. The results could mean that wing-folding is the next step in increasing the propulsive and aerodynamic efficiency of flapping drones.
Published Words prove their worth as teaching tools for robots


What is the best way to teach a robot? Sometimes it may simply be to speak to it clearly. Researchers found that human-language descriptions of tools can accelerate the learning of a simulated robotic arm lifting and using a variety of tools.